STILL NOT SLEEPING

[hiwpew523]

I have been clean from butalbital (Fioricet) for 281 days and I still am not sleeping. I've tried OTC sleep aids (sominex) and natural sleep aids - Allteril, Mid Nite, Melatonin.  I tried a prescription for a couple days but had some swelling in my legs and feet; it was not helping me sleep anyway.  I have been taking an Amino Acid Formula and L-theanine for several months and I exercise regularly.   Nothing is helping.  When I do fall asleep I wake up every hour. The one positive in all of this is that I do not have a job; I can rest through the day. I really believe this lack of sleep is contributing to other health issues I can't seem to kick.   Is it common to have sleep problems nine months after the last pill?  I will add that I am at the age where hormones could be a factor as well.

I appreciate any input you all may have. For those just starting the process - keep going! You can do it.  

Thanks,
HW

[EvolverU]

Hey, if you ever want to talk I'm here. Believe me I know how hard it is! I learned a while back not to struggle with the not sleeping thing because it just makes it worse. I hear you on not wanting to take another sleep aide & I couldn't agree more!! We're trying to heal our neural chemistry & even OTC's  can interfere with this process & prove addictive.

Best to you,
Annie

[hiwpew523]

You are right; we fioricet users seem to be pretty rare.  Your experience makes me feel a little better - like perhaps this is normal and sleep (and good health) will return. Although, I AM sorry you are not sleeping well either.
Stress? Well I am a fairly new empty nester and I am the mother of a U.S. Marine whose situation has caused me new worry right now.  He is overseas and  my daughter is at college 8 hours away. I don't consciously worry about them all night, but perhaps it hovers around without my recognizing it.  Make sense?

Poopieskoopie; I do worry that I will abuse any drug that is prescribed, although my family doctor is very conservative. I know he will be careful with what he gives me.  I think I'm worn out from the process of looking for answers but I know I need to get back at it.  

All of your encouragement helps so much. Thanks, everybody.

[poopieskoopie]

There are other sleep aids but you could wind up abusing any of them. Ambien, Lunesta, and a plethra of benzos. For me, a rigorous exercise routine helps but if that doesn't work do you feel you would ever be able to manage a prescription sleep med?? I'm so sorry you're having these issues and I would explore other causes ei: hormonal. Don't give up!! There has to be an answer.

[EvolverU]

I wish that there were more Fiorcet peeps with long clean time here so that you could compare your sleep issue w/ them. I'm a little over 8 mos. off long-term M'done & get an average of 4 hrs. per night, though I no longer wake every hour the way that I did. I totally agree that it affects your health! I've incurred quite a few physical/medical consequences at the hands of sleeplessness. Do you have any stress issues in your life right now? Were you ever a good sleeper? I've read that barbs are one of the hardest drugs for your brain to readjusts from. It might be a matter of more time for you. I wish you all the best with this.

[hiwpew523]

Yes, I was abusing the fioricet and my doctors (family doctor and neurologist) are aware of that. I know I need to be careful about what I take. My family doctor prescribed something a month ago (trazodone, I think) and I did not react well to it.  I am thinking of finding a new doctor, which is very hard in this area, because I don't feel like I'm getting through to my current doctor as to how bad this problem is for me.  Thanks for your responses.  

[poopieskoopie]

At this point, if sleep is STILL a problem, you may have to resort to another barbituate in order to sleep. Were you abusing the fioricet?

[ROSYouralright]

Congrats on your clean time! Oh man, not sleeping still?? I am just going on a month and that feels like forever to me. Someone who knows will be along shortly! Hang in there!